The New Land.

That's what we keep calling it, for lack of a better term. It's where we will eventually build a house, and where Grampa and Lulu will be building a house in the very near future. We spent all day Sunday planting trees, shrubs and berry bushes out there, as well as mapping out garden shed, garden space, pasture area and orchard. The things we planted: four different varieties of elderberry, an American Elm tree, grapes, four different varieties of Raspberries (30 canes in all...whew.), Winterberry and Spicebush. It is a magical place, this New Land. So very in tact and full of wild places to explore. Streams with mossy rocks, deep ravines and gullies, little swimming holes, pasture, woods, and all manner of creatures inhabiting it's hiding places.

Every time we are out there, I feel I get to know this friendly place a little more, and become a little more enchanted with it, if that's possible. I think the children do too.

Things spring brings.

Lately it has been so warm and lovely...it finally feels like spring. It's so amazing watching children on a warm spring day...it's almost as if you can see them sprout upward toward the light. They examine every little thing, roll in the grass, feel the dirt in their hands, watch the clouds, explore, run and run and run with smiles that span their entire face. We've been doing just those things for the past few weeks ...enjoying the stretching and movement that is allowed when we shed the layers of winter clothing that have kept us bundled up tight for months (...and months and months...).

Building fairy houses

First trip of the season to the ocean

Just relaxing

What?!?!

Oh my. I never posted about Beck's fifth birthday party. Oh my. Oh my. There goes that "Mother of the Year" award. Again. Well...better late than never I suppose.

It was lovely, and small, and special. Just his little school friends and their wonderful families. I could never have asked for a more beautiful day for him, and the delight showed on his face. There was a homemade Blueberry Cake, per his request. There were special homemade gifts from his friends. And there was sledding...a yearly ritual now, and this year's sledding hill might have won Doug a "Father of the Year" nomination. Awesome.

Also...I think a few parents may have like the sledding hill even more than their children. Ahem.

 

 

Spring Days

Last spring we jumped from winter right into summer, it seemed. And this year, spring has been sooooo slooooow to get here. At least that's what it feels like. Here in the Northeast, we believe anything above freezing constitutes short sleeves. Well...almost. We've had a few days in the 50's, and that's a good reason for us to be outside all day. Even 40's and sun feels like a treat. So, here's what early Spring looks like around here:

Planting Spinach.

 Picnics.

 Rearranging Furniture.

 Planting more spinach.

 Pretending to plant spinach.

 Lots of playing in the mud.

 More playing in the mud.

 Collecting the last of the sap.

 Resting.